A Third Space for Teens: Inside BBP’s Earn-A-Bike Program
Story by Anika Bennett, BBP’s Programs Coordinator
Teen Earn-A-Bike is one of the programs I was most excited about taking on when I stepped into my new role as Programs Coordinator. Growing up in Boise in the 2010s, I often felt like activities for teens were limited, and Boise seemed like a fun place only for those who had access to 21+ venues where all the cool events happened. My third space was Flying M, where I spent most of my afterschool and weekend hours doing homework and writing in my notebook. While I love the M forever and always, I wish I’d known BBP existed when I was a teenager! It is my privilege to now teach our Teen Earn-A-Bike classes and provide another third space for teens. In this program, students complete a structured 4-week mechanic training, learn to build a refurbished kids bike for our youth programs, and receive their own free refurbished bike in exchange.
Teen Earn-A-Bike not only teaches students real-world bike mechanic skills, it also instills in them that BBP is a safe third space for teens; a place where everyone is welcome to learn, volunteer, and make new friends. This course connects them to teens their own age, introduces them to the wide range of programs BBP offers beyond this 4-week course, and gets them hooked on mechanics. This summer, when I’m running our Teen Apprenticeship Program, the two programs will intersect for a Kids’ Bicycle and Safety Hour (BASH) at BBP’s Traffic Gardenin Ann Morrison Park, where my students will provide peer mentorship as they help us run repairs and safe riding activities for the younger kids ages 6-12. This peer mentorship is built into each teen program I run. Teen Earn-A-Bike is designed to encourage skill-sharing and to grow young mechanics into compassionate, patient teachers. We’re growing the next generation of mechanics who will continue BBP’s legacy of building an inclusive, diverse cycling community in Boise.
If you’re passionate about teaching mechanics and enjoy working with young people, we are always seeking new volunteers to help teach or assist with Teen Earn-A-Bike classes! Teaching this program is wildly fun, sometimes chaotic in the best way, and incredibly rewarding. If you’d like to join as a teacher or class aid, please contact me, Anika Bennett, at anika@boisebicycleproject.org.
